Hydrocarbon cracking antenna

ABSTRACT

An aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention is a device for cracking heavy hydrocarbons. A linear applicator is positioned within heavy oil containing aromatic molecules. A radio frequency electrical current source is electrically connected to the applicator at a first connection point and a second connection point to create a closed electrical loop. The radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the applicator that is sufficient to create a magnetic field and an electric field relative to the axis of the linear applicator. The device also includes a chamber positioned around the applicator generally between the first connection point and the second connection point to concentrate the magnetic field within a region surrounding the applicator and containing the heavy hydrocarbons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to using electromagnetic fields and inparticular radio frequency electric and magnetic fields to crack orupgrade heavy hydrocarbons. Upgrading heavy hydrocarbons aids in theextraction and processing of hydrocarbons into valuable fuels. Inparticular, the present invention relates to an advantageous radiofrequency (RF) applicator and method that can be used to crack heavyhydrocarbons. The invention breaks the usually unreactive carbon-carbon(C-C) bonds of aromatic molecules, which can be used to upgrade bitumen,reduce the aromatic content of gasoline, or assist in petrochemicalsynthesis.

As the world's standard crude oil reserves are depleted, and thecontinued demand for oil causes oil prices to rise, oil producers areattempting to process hydrocarbons from bituminous ore, oil sands, tarsands, oil shale, and heavy oil deposits. These materials are oftenfound in naturally occurring mixtures of sand or clay. Because of theextremely high viscosity of bituminous ore, oil sands, oil shale, tarsands, and heavy oil (heavy hydrocarbons for short), the drilling andrefinement methods used in extracting standard crude oil are typicallynot available. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes are required.

Current EOR technology heats the hydrocarbon formations through the useof steam and sometimes through the use of RF energy to heat or preheatthe formation. Steam has been used to provide heat in-situ, such asthrough a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) system. Steam enhancedoil recovery may not be suitable for permafrost regions due to surfacemelting, in stratified and thin pay reservoirs with rock layers, andwhere there is insufficient caprock. At well start up, for example, theinitiation of the steam convection may be slow and unreliable asconducted heating in hydrocarbon ores is slow. Water resources may beinsufficient to make steam.

RF heating methods use connate in situ water, such as pore water, whichis generally present in a hydrocarbon formation. Water is easily heatedby electromagnetic fields, so an underground antenna can heathydrocarbon formations. The electromagnetically heated pore waterconductively heats the hydrocarbons. Because electric and magneticfields travel near the speed of light, RF heating provides greatlyincreased speed and penetration through conduction and convection. RFenergy can also penetrate impermeable rocks to heat beyond. A radiofrequency electromagnetic means to crack and upgrade oil in situ isvaluable, especially if accompanied by well stimulation.

Heavy hydrocarbons, such as crude oil and bitumen, often containaromatic molecules, which make the oil thick and heavy, and thusdifficult to extract. Aromatic molecules are molecules, such as benzene,where the atoms are joined together in a ring shape. Breaking thearomatic rings, which is also known as cracking, creates lighter andthus easier to extract polar hydrocarbon molecules. This process isknown as “upgrading” the oil. Aromatic molecules are exceptionallystable molecules and are therefore very difficult to crack. Thus, usingradio frequency magnetic fields to crack aromatic molecules can beadvantageous.

RF electromagnetic (EM) fields can interact strongly with some moleculesand weakly with others. In a mixture of molecules, RF EM heating canincrease the kinetic energy of one type of molecule without increasingthe kinetic energy of other molecule types, which results in selectiveheating. Thus, high localized temperatures can be achieved withoutexcessively heating a material in bulk. Temperature plays an importantrole in determining the rate and extent to which chemical reactionsoccur. Thus, RF EM fields can be effective to cause reactions involvinghydrocarbon molecules.

Gasoline is the ubiquitous fuel for automotive transportation. TheUnited States used 140 billion gallons in 2005. In order to meet thisdemand, modern gasoline is a blend of hydrocarbon molecules typicallyranging from 4 to 12 carbons (C₄ to C₁₂). Many types of gasolinemolecules, such as aromatic molecules, are hazardous substances that areregulated in the United States and elsewhere. While aromatic moleculesare beneficial for high octane (benzene has an octane value of 101),they are released in engine exhaust and evaporated when the gas ispumped. Thus, gasoline formulation includes tradeoffs in choosing thehydrocarbon molecular species, the emissions level, and the toxicitylevel of those emissions.

Benzene has been identified as a toxic air pollutant and a potentcarcinogen in the US Clean Air Act of 1990. Measured amounts of benzenein polluted city atmospheres are known to cause leukemia, lung, and skincancer. In view of such severe health effects, the United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency enacted regulations that will lower thebenzene content in gasoline to 0.62% in 2011 (“Control of Hazardous AirPollutants From Mobile Sources”, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,2006-03-29. p. 15853(http://www.epa.gov/EPA-AIR/2006/March/Day-29/a2315b.htm)). Removingaromatics from gasoline reduces toxic emissions which in turn reducesthe incidence of leukemia and other cancers. Technologies to reducebenzene levels are needed.

Modern gasoline is a product of varying refinery processes. The FluidCatalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) is an example of a process that breakslarge high boiling range hydrocarbons into gasoline range products. FCCUoutput may contain 30 percent aromatics. In a typical FCCU, aromaticslike benzene may undergo little cracking. Catalytic Naptha ReformingUnits (CNRU) convert saturated low octane hydrocarbons into higheroctane products containing 60 percent or more aromatics. Therefore, in aCNRU toxic aromatics are in fact created, especially so if C₆ isincluded in the feedstock. Methods to adjust FCCU and CNRU outputaromatic levels can be advantageous.

Steam cracking is a process in which heavier hydrocarbons are mixed withwater and heated to high temperatures such as 900° C. to break downheavier hydrocarbons into smaller, lighter hydrocarbons. In steamcracking radical addition may occur to form new aromatic molecules, yetit may be desired to not form aromatic molecules. A steam crackingprocess that does not produce aromatics can be advantageous.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,021 to Winter et. al, and entitled “Apparatus andProcess For Improved Aromatic Extraction From Gasoline” describes aglycol solvent based process for separating gasoline aromatics thatincludes contacting the feedstock with solvent vapors. Means to actuallycrack the aromatic molecules are not provided.

A list of possibly relevant patents and literature follows:

4,645,585 White 6,303,021 Winter 6,106,895 Usuki 4,404,123 Chu 3,991,091Driscoll et al Dielectrics and Waves Arthur H. Von Hippel (John Wileyand Sons) p. 154

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device for cracking hydrocarbons includingheavy hydrocarbons. A linear applicator is positioned within heavyhydrocarbons containing aromatic molecules. A radio frequency electricalcurrent source is electrically connected to the applicator at a firstconnection point and a spaced second connection point to create a closedelectrical loop. The radio frequency source is configured to apply asignal to the applicator sufficient to create a magnetic field andelectric field relative to the axis of the linear applicator. The devicecan also include a chamber positioned around the applicator generallybetween the first connection point and the second connection point toconcentrate the magnetic field within a region surrounding theapplicator and to contain the heavy hydrocarbons.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a circularapplicator positioned within heavy hydrocarbons containing aromaticmolecules. A radio frequency electrical current source is electricallyconnected to the circular applicator. The radio frequency source isconfigured to apply a signal to the applicator that is sufficient tocreate electric and magnetic fields that are generally present insidethe circular applicator, and thus concentrated within a regioncontaining the heavy hydrocarbons.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for preheating heavyhydrocarbons. An applicator is placed into already extracted heavyhydrocarbons including aromatic molecules. A radio frequency electricalcurrent is applied to the linear applicator sufficient to create anelectric and magnetic field relative to the applicator. Aromaticmolecules are cracked resulting in lighter polar molecules. The crackedhydrocarbons are then separated from water and sand and other materials.The hydrocarbons are then processed into fuels.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for upgrading heavyhydrocarbons. The heavy hydrocarbons are separated from water, sand, andoptionally other materials. An applicator is placed into the heavyhydrocarbons. The applicator is operated as the hydrocarbons arehydrogenated. A radio frequency electric current is applied to theapplicator sufficient to create a magnetic and electric field relativeto the applicator while hydrogen or natural gas are added to thehydrocarbons to produce synthetic crude oil. The hydrocarbons are thenprocessed into fuels.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for extracting heavyhydrocarbons. An applicator is installed into the ore region of ahydrocarbon formation containing aromatic molecules. A radio frequencyelectric current is applied to the applicator sufficient to create amagnetic and electric field relative to the applicator. The aromaticmolecules are cracked into lighter polar molecules. The polar moleculesare then removed from the geologic formation.

Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of a linearapplicator.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of a linearapplicator including specific parts of a radio frequency electriccurrent source.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of a circularapplicator.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for pretreating heavyhydrocarbons

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for upgrading heavyhydrocarbons.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for extracting heavyhydrocarbons.

FIG. 7 is a plot of the radio frequency response of pure water andpetroleum oil.

FIG. 8 is a plot of the relative dielectric constants of a liquidbitumen (dilbit).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The subject matter of this disclosure will now be described more fully,and one or more embodiments of the invention are shown. This inventionmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are examples of the invention, which has the full scopeindicated by the language of the claims.

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a linear applicator (alsoknown as a divergence antenna) that can be used to crack aromaticmolecules into polar molecules. The device generally indicated at 10 canbe used in situ in a hydrocarbon formation but can also be used to crackheavy oil at an upgrader refinery or other location or to reducearomatics in gasoline. The device 10 includes a radio frequencyelectrical current source 12, a linear applicator 14, and a chamber 16.

The radio frequency current source 12 is electrically connected to thelinear applicator 14 at a first connection point 13 and a secondconnection point 15, spaced from the first connection point 13, therebycreating a closed electrical loop. In practice, the catalyst effect ofradio frequency electromagnetic fields is not limited to one specificfrequency, so a range of frequencies can be used to crack the aromaticmolecules into polar molecules. Frequencies between about 0.001 and 100MHz can be effective to crack aromatic molecules. More particularly,frequencies between about 6.7 MHz and 40.7 MHz can be effective to crackaromatic molecules. For example, in field testing, a frequency of 6.78MHz was applied to effectively crack aromatic molecules. The use of thewater antiresonance frequency, which is about 30 MHz, can also beeffective and operation near the water antiresonance is contemplated tominimize energy requirements and cost. The invention advantageouslyoperates with electromagnetic near fields at relatively low frequenciesto provide sufficient depth of penetration for large undergroundformations or industrial above-ground feedstock.

The length of the linear applicator 14 is preferentially short relativethe radio wavelength; that is, L<<c/(f√∈_(r)) where L is the length ofthe linear applicator 14 in the hydrocarbon mixture, c is the speed oflight, f is the radio frequency in hertz, and ∈_(r) is the relativedielectric constant of the hydrocarbon mixture. For example, at 6.78 MHzthe free space wavelength is about 44 meters and Athabasca oil sand canhave a permittivity of about 6, so for these conditions, the linearapplicator 14 can be about 4 meters in length. Multiple linearapplicators 14 can be used to cover longer distances. For example, anarray of linear applicators 14 may be placed end to end or otherwise. Alinear applicator 14 generally functions as a transducer of electric andmagnetic near fields.

The radio frequency current source 12 can include a transmitter 22 andan impedance matching coupler 24. The coupler 24 can be selected fromnumerous devices such as transformers, resonating capacitors, inductors,and other known components to conjugate, match, and manage the dynamicimpedance changes of the ore load as it heats. The transmitter 22 canalso be an electromechanical device such as a multiple pole alternatoror a variable reluctance alternator with a slotted rotor that modulatescoupling between two inductors. The RF source 12 may also be a vacuumtube device, such as an Eimac 8974/X-2159 power tetrode or an array ofsolid state devices. Thus, there are many options to realize the RFsource 12.

In a configuration shown in FIG. 2, the radio frequency current sourceincludes a transmitter 22, a transformer indicated generally as 24 witha primary ring 26 and a secondary ring 28, and a tuning capacitor 29.The primary ring 24 and the secondary ring 26 can be, for example,copper tubing. The transmitter 22 is electrically connected to theprimary ring 26 through a coaxial cable 23. The primary ring 26 can beadjusted, for example, by turning it at an angle relative to thesecondary ring 28, which changes the load resistance that thetransmitter 22 sees. The tuning capacitor 29 is electrically connectedto the secondary ring 26, which allows precision adjustments to thetransformer 24 resonance. In field testing, a 10 to 1000 picofaradvariable capacitor was adjusted to about 90 picofarads to adjust thetransformer resonance to 6.78 Megahertz. The secondary ring 26 isattached to the linear applicator 14 at the first connection point 13and the second connection point 15.

The linear applicator 14 can be any linear conductor, for example, ametal rod or litz cable. Optionally, the linear applicator 14 can beelectrically insulated on its surface, for example, with polyimide orTeflon. In certain embodiments, the linear applicator 14 can be aconductive well pipe positioned within the ore region of a hydrocarbonformation. The conductive well pipe can be a typical steel well pipe orcan be coated with copper or another conductive metal. The linearapplicator 14 is positioned within ore containing aromatic molecules.For example, the linear applicator 14 can be positioned in situ withinan ore region of a hydrocarbon formation. Alternatively, the linearapplicator 14 can be located in a refinery or other location and used tocrack heavy hydrocarbons that have already been extracted. The linearapplicator 14 can also be placed at a gas tank to reduce the aromaticcontent of gasoline.

A chamber 16 surrounds the linear applicator 14 generally between thefirst connection point 13 and the second connection point 15. Chamber 16can function as an oil sand separation cell or cyclone separator byincluding an inlet 122 and an outlet 126. The chamber 16 can becomprised of any electrically conductive or nonconductive materialincluding, for example, steel, plastic, fiberglass, polyimide, orasphalt cement. When a conductive chamber 16 is used, feedthroughinsulators (not pictured) are included to allow the RF electricalcurrents to follow the applicator into the chamber. Within the chamber16 are hydrocarbons 17 including aromatic molecules 18. Water molecules120 can be present or provided. A caustic alkali such as sodiumhydroxide can be provided as a surfactant.

Pressurized air 124 can be supplied to the chamber 16 to pressure drivethe warmed bitumen from connate sand. The cracked and upgradedhydrocarbons 128 can be drained through the outlet 126. A batch or acontinuous process can be realized in the chamber 16. Additional chamber16 ports (not shown) can supply process water, caustic alkali, salt, orother materials.

When the applicator 10 is operated, current I flows through the linearapplicator 14, which creates electric and magnetic near fields in thehydrocarbon 17. The flux lines of the circular magnetic induction fieldH curl around the applicator 14 while expanding outward radially. Theoperative mechanism is Ampere's Circuital Law:

∫B·dl

to form the magnetic near field. The applicator 14 also produceselectric near fields which operate from Gauss' Law:

∇·D

(in which the symbol on the left is a del operator). With furtherderivation, in free space the electromagnetic near fields produced thelinear applicator 14 are exactly:

E _(r) =−jη(I _(o) Le ^(−jkr)/2πkr ³)cos θ

E _(θ) =−jη(I _(o) Le ^(−jkr)/4πkr³)sin θ

H _(φ) =−jη(I _(o) Le ^(−jkr)/4πkr ²)sin θ

E _(φ) =H _(r) =H _(φ)=0

Where:

-   -   E_(r)=the radial electric near field    -   E_(θ)=the circular electric near field    -   H_(φ)=the circular magnetic near field (induction field)    -   −j=the complex operator=√−1    -   I₀=the electric current flowing in the linear applicator 14,        uniform distribution assumed    -   L=the length of the linear applicator 14    -   e^(−jkr)=the time harmonic excitation (AC sinusoidal current is        assumed)    -   k=the wave number=2π/λ    -   r=the radial distance measured from the center of the linear        applicator 14    -   θ=the angle measured from the axis of the linear applicator 14        (parallel to the linear applicator 14 is 0 degrees, normal to        the linear applicator 14 is 90 degrees)

Both electric and magnetic near fields are generated by the applicator14. The fields are rotationally symmetric around the applicator 14. Whenmoist hydrocarbons (hydrocarbons containing water) surround theapplicator 14, the electric and magnetic fields are modified from thefree space proportions, although the geometry of the produced electricand magnetic near fields E_(r), E_(θ) and H_(φ) are the same.

Hand computation of the linear applicator 14 near field amplitudes inhydrocarbons may be neither practical nor desirable, so a computermethod may be preferred. One such method is the method of momentssoftware known as the Numerical Electromagnetic Code (NEC4.1) byLawrence Livermore National Laboratories (700 East Ave., LivermoreCalif. 94550). This analysis software has been used to accuratelycalculate the electric and magnetic near fields of the linear applicator14 in hydrocarbons. When the using the NEC4.1 software it is importantto invoke the Summerfeld-Norton routine (GN line −1) for real earth.

In the NEC4.1, code the applicator structure 14 geometry is emulated bya wire mesh and the electromagnetic properties of the hydrocarbon areinput using the relative dielectric constant ∈_(r)″ and the electricalconductivity σ. For instance, a rich Athabasca oil sand at 6.78 MHz maybe about ∈_(r)″=6 and σ=0.002 mhos/meter. The linear applicator 14transduces both electric near fields and magnetic near fields in thehydrocarbon 17, and the distribution of those fields can be mappedprecisely.

The linear applicator 14 primarily operates through near fields ratherthan far fields. As such, the linear applicator 14 does not have toproduce radio waves to be effective. An advantage is that it is notnecessary to have a cavity or a standoff distance between the applicator14 and the hydrocarbon 17, which would be costly to create. The linearapplicator 14 can be immersed directly in underground formations andoperated while in contact with hydrocarbons. Above ground, theapplicator 14 may be directly in contact with a hydrocarbon feedstock aswell, although a standoff distance between the hydrocarbon material andthe linear applicator 14 can be used if desired. The applicator 14 iseffective at lower rather than higher radio frequencies, which providesthe operative advantage of increased power and penetration. It can beadvantageous to generate alternating electrical energy at lower ratherthan higher frequencies for reasons of efficiency.

Operation at hydrocarbon molecule resonance frequencies is not required,although they can be used if desired. The magnetic and electric nearfields about the linear applicator 14 interact with the various speciesof molecules in moist hydrocarbons. Electric near fields can increasethe kinetic energy of water molecules, and they can excite thedielectric moments of the hydrocarbon molecules themselves, which cancause cracking and upgrading of the hydrocarbons. Magnetic near fieldscan induction heat the water molecules by creating eddy electriccurrents that heat by joule effect. The magnetic fields can create eddyelectric currents in the aromatic molecule rings. Adding small amountsof water to the hydrocarbon feedstock or underground ore prior toexposing the hydrocarbons to electromagnetic fields can thus beadvantageous. RF and moist hydrocarbons provide in effect a low bulktemperature steam cracking process.

Aromatic molecules are both conductive loops and planar molecules. It iscontemplated that magnetic fields break the aromatic molecules becausethe aromatic molecules have an inductive like relationship to the linearapplicator 14. In other words, the linear applicator 14 is akin to atransformer primary winding, and the aromatic molecules are akin to atransformer secondary winding. The work function of moving the electronsaround the aromatic molecules can break the aromatic molecules and thearomatic ring current can be induced in the u electrons. It is furthercontemplated that the planar aromatic molecules can reorient theirplanes normal to the magnetic field flux lines, and this orientationcauses the polycyclic aromatic molecules to crack as they break theirattachments to other rings. Both the electric and magnetic fields mayinteract with small amounts of water present in the hydrocarbon stock tocreate radicals, especially the hydroxyl radical OH—, which can helpinitiate upgrading.

It is contemplated that the linear applicator 14 does not behavesignificantly as an electrode, even when uninsulated and in directcontact with moist hydrocarbons. In other words, the linear applicator14 does not significantly feed electrons into the hydrocarbon stock byconductive contact. This is because the linear applicator 14 provides ahighly electrically conductive path relative to the more resistivehydrocarbon material, so nearly all of the electric current follows thelinear applicator 14 path. This is an advantage as it enhances processreliability. Electrode systems in hydrocarbons can be unreliable due toasphaltine deposition on the electrode (especially with live oils),water boil off at the electrodes, or coking. Thus, the advantages of thelinear applicator 14 can include one or more of the following: it isreliable, not limited as to power, and it does not require waterflooding or other means to maintain electrical contact with thehydrocarbons. The linear applicator 14 achieves indirect electricalcontact with hydrocarbon mixtures by magnetic field induction andelectric field displacement.

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of an alternative embodiment,where a circular applicator 30 (also known as a loop or curl antenna) isused to crack heavy oil. The device generally indicated at 30 can beused in situ in a hydrocarbon formation but can also be used to crackheavy oil in a refinery or other location. The device 30 includes aradio frequency electrical current source 32 and a curved applicator 34.A circular applicator 30 produces both electric and magnetic nearfields.

The radio frequency electrical current source 32 is the same as orsimilar to the radio frequency electrical current source 12 in FIG. 1.The radio frequency current source 12 is electrically connected to thecircular applicator 34 at a first connection point 33 and a secondconnection point 35, thereby creating a closed electrical loop.

The circular applicator 34 can be any curved conductor, for example, acurved metal rod. The circular applicator 34 is positioned within heavyhydrocarbons containing aromatic molecules. For example, the circularapplicator 34 can be positioned in situ within an ore region of ahydrocarbon formation. Alternatively, the circular applicator 34 can belocated in a refinery or other location and used to crack heavyhydrocarbons that have already been extracted.

For such an applicator, the magnetic field 36 that forms when the deviceis operated is concentrated substantially through the center of thecircular applicator 34. Therefore, when the device is operated heavyhydrocarbons including aromatic molecules within or nearby the circularapplicator 34 can be cracked into lighter polar molecules.

Multiple circular applicators 30 can create zones of uniform magneticfields. In this arrangement, each circular applicator 30 carries anequal electrical current flowing in the same direction. The circularapplicators 30 can be separated by a distance equal to the diameter ofeach circular applicator 30. While the linear applicator 14 operates onthe principle of divergence, the circular applicator 30 operates on theprinciple of curl. Thus, the line and the circle geometry can bothprovide the required electric and magnetic near fields. Compoundembodiments of the applicators may be also be rendered. A coil of wirecan be formed by multiple circular applicators 30 connected in series.Helix, solenoid, and spiral coils are thus contemplated applicatorembodiments.

A representative field test will now be described. A linear applicator14 was used as depicted in FIG. 2. The chamber 16 was filled with heavyhydrocarbons including 32.27 percent aromatic molecules and 27.09percent polar molecules. The radio frequency source 12 was operated at6.78 Megahertz. After running the device for 18 minutes, thehydrocarbons were analyzed and virtually all of the aromatic moleculeshad been converted to polar molecules. Present in the oil afterprocessing were 0.96 percent aromatic molecules and 60.92 percent polarmolecules. Table 1 details the Field Test Results:

TABLE 1 Field Test Results Parameter Value Comment Objective Bitumen oreupgrading Hydrocarbons 17/test sample Rich Athabasca oil Mined near Fortsand. By weight, 16% McMurray, Canada bitumen, 1.2% water, remaindersand and clay Field Test Result Near total conversion Measured ofaromatic molecule fraction to polar molecules was accomplished Testsample relative dielectric ≈9 at 6.78 MHz Measured permittivity, realcomponent, prior to application of electromagnetic fields Test sampleelectrical conductivity, prior 0.012 mhos/meter at Measured toapplication of electromagnetic fields 6.78 MHz Test sample density 0.072pounds/inch³ Measured and (2.0 g/cm³) calculated Chamber 16 geometryPolycarbonate plastic Measured tube, 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, 12inches (30 cm) high Test sample volume 150.7 inches³ (2470 cm³) MeasuredTest sample weight 10.9 pounds (4.94 Kg.) Measured Duration ofelectromagnetic field 18 minutes Measured exposure Initial temperature20° C. Measured Ending temperature 86° C. Measured Test sample aromaticcontent before test 32.27% by weight Measured (of the ore's hydrocarbonfraction) Test sample polar content before test (of 27.09% by weightMeasured the ore's hydrocarbon fraction) Test sample saturate contentbefore test 17.23% by weight Measured (of the ore's hydrocarbonfraction) Test sample asphaltene content before 23.41% by weightMeasured test (of the ore's hydrocarbon fraction) Test sample aromaticcontent after test 0.96% by weight Measured (of the ore's hydrocarbonfraction) Test sample polar content after test (of 60.92% by weightMeasured the ore's hydrocarbon fraction) Test sample saturate contentafter test 15.30% by weight Measured (of the ore's hydrocarbon fraction)Test sample asphaltene content after 22.82% by weight Measured test (ofthe ore's hydrocarbon fraction) Test sample temperature before test 30°C. Measured Test sample temperature after test 82° C. Measured Radiofrequency of electrical current 6.78 MHz Measured source 12 Linearapplicator 14 construction 12 inch (30 cm) long Implemented brass rod, ⅜inch (0.95 cm) OD Transformer 24 Two ring transformer with resonantsecondary Transformer primary winding diameter 3 feet (0.9 m) MeasuredTransformer secondary winding diameter 5 feet (1.5 m) MeasuredTransformer secondary winding One turn of ½ inch Specified (1.27 cm)(nominal) copper water pipe Transformer primary winding One turn of ½inch Specified (1.27 cm) (nominal) copper water pipe Secondary windingresonating capacitor 90 picofarads Measured H field strength realized intest sample 7 Amps/meter Calculated E field strength realized in testsample 420 Volts/meter Calculated Electromagnetic field impedance (ratioof 60 ohms Calculated E/H in test sample) Induced electric currents intest sample 0.86 amps/meter² Calculated Energy delivered to the testsample 8.5 watt hours per Calculated pound of mass (18.7 watt-hours perKg. of mass)

In the control experiment, heating the rich Athabasca oil sand from 30°C. to 100° C. by conducted heat in a conventional oven did notsignificantly convert the aromatic molecules to polar molecules.Therefore, the electric and magnetic fields were essential to initiatethe molecular cracking.

The inventors have the following theory to explain the above results.The invention is not limited by the accuracy or applicability of thistheory. The radio frequency electric and magnetic fields are akin to acatalyst. The radio frequency electric and magnetic fields raised thevibrational energy of the liquid water molecules in the oil sandrelative to the hydrocarbon molecules. In other words, selective heatingwas realized. The effect was that the bulk heating of the oil sand wasminimized while the pore water in oil sand was at high kinetic energyand temperature. The Field Test accomplished a bulk low temperaturesteam cracking process from pore water. Water in the oil sand can donateradicals, such as the hydroxyl radical OH— to help initiate the crackingand upgrading reaction.

During the test, dry nitrogen was introduced in the inlet 122 topressurize the test chamber 16. The dry nitrogen provided a gas pressuredrive to release the bitumen from the sand, such that water and oil 128were produced together from the outlet 126 at the bottom of the chamber16. Thus, the chamber 16 functioned as a separation cell as well as anupgrader. The oil produced at the outlet 126 was sent for chemicalanalysis. The produced oil was observed to be thinned in viscosityrelative to Clark Process bitumen, which means the electric and magneticfields reduced the API gravity. Some roiling of the oil sand was notedabout 10 minutes after the electric and magnetic fields were applied,which indicates the electric and magnetic fields provided the energy topop the water pores to release oil. The electric and magnetic fieldsprovided a synergy to both separate bitumen from the sand and to upgradethe bitumen at the same time. No coking of the chamber 16 or applicator14 was noted after the Field Test, which can in some embodiments be anadvantage of the present invention over conventional high temperature(≈900° C.) steam cracking processes.

The Field Test delivered 8.53 watt hours of energy per pound of mass(18.76 watt-hours per Kg. of mass) to the oil sand. When aromaticmolecules are broken, they become assymetric and polar (polarized toelectric fields). This was observed in the Field Test data as thedecrease in aromatic molecules was accompanied by a correspondingincrease in polar molecules.

The electrical energy cost to treat large volumes of rich Athabasca oilsand will now be considered. Treatment times and RF powers were notoptimized in the Field Test described above. An approximation of theminimum amount of electrical energy required to convert the aromaticmolecules to polar molecules as shown in Table 2.

Electrical Energy Costs To Treat Hydrocarbon Ore Hydrocarbon ore RichAthabasca oil sand Objective Conversion of greater than 90% of thearomatics to polar. Ore specific heat C_(p) 0.26 BTU/lb · ° F. (0.43Watt-hours/° C. · kg) Ore starting temperature 86° F. (30° C.) OreEnding temperature 187° F. (86° C.) Ore ΔT 119° F. (° C.) Deliveredenergy required 24 BTU per pound of ore mass Delivered energy required3.2 watt-hours per kg of ore mass Transmitter efficiency η 65% (RFsource 12) Applicator efficiency (linear 90% applicator 14) Primeelectrical energy required 10.5 watt hours per pound of ore (e.g. 60 Hz)mass (23.2 Watt-hours/kg) Electrical energy rate (e.g. 60 Hz) $0.12 perkilowatt hour Electrical energy cost (e.g. 60 Hz) $2.11 US dollars perton of ore treated ($2.33/1000 Kg)

It is anticipated that further optimization will further reduce theelectrical energy cost.

Many operating concepts are possible. For example, the invention mayinclude cogeneration to recover the waste heat from an on-site 60 Hzelectrical generator. Separated bitumen without sand may be RF treated,such as bitumen previously separated by the Clark Process. Theapplicator 14 can provide the cracking in situ and underground, wherethe electric and magnetic near fields also stimulate well production.

FIG. 4 depicts a method for pretreating heavy hydrocarbons 40. At thestep 41, an applicator is placed into heavy hydrocarbons includingaromatic molecules that have already been extracted. In this case, theore has already been extracted. The ore can be, for example, oil sand,which contains sand and water in addition to the hydrocarbons. Theapplicator can be, for example, the same or similar to the linearapplicator of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the applicator can be, for example,the same or similar to the circular applicator of FIG. 3 or a coilformed from multiple applicators.

At the step 42, a radio frequency electrical current is applied to theapplicator, which is sufficient to create a magnetic field relative tothe applicator. For example, a 0.001 to 100 MHz signal can be sufficientto create an electric and a magnetic field relative to the applicator tocrack aromatic molecules in the ore. At the step 43, the electric fieldand the magnetic field formed in the step 42 cracks the aromaticmolecules into polar molecules.

At the step 44, the hydrocarbons are separated from water, sand, andother materials present in the hydrocarbons. Known techniques can beused to separate the hydrocarbons from the water and sand. For example,they can be separated using hot water and surfactant in a cycloneseparator or primary separation vessel. Alternatively, separating thesand and upgrading the hydrocarbons can occur simultaneously.

At the step 45, the hydrocarbons are processed into fuels. Thehydrocarbons from step 44, which now consist of the cracked hydrocarbons(or hydrocarbons containing polar molecules and few aromatic molecules)go through further processing in order to make fuels. One or more knownprocessing steps can follow. For example, the cracked hydrocarbons canbe hydrogenated to by adding hydrogen or natural gas to thehydrocarbons, which results in synthetic crude oil. The synthetic crudeoil can then be further processed, for example, by fractionating orcatalytic cracking resulting in sour synfuels. Finally, the soursynfuels can be processed through sweeting, which includes sulfur andmetal removal. The final result is sweet fuel, such as gasoline, diesel,and JP4.

FIG. 5 depicts a method for upgrading heavy oil 50. At the step 51, thehydrocarbons are separated from water and sand present in the orecontaining heavy hydrocarbons including aromatics molecules that havealready been extracted. Known techniques can be used to separate thehydrocarbons from the water and sand. For example, they can be separatedusing hot water and surfactant.

At the step 52, an applicator is placed into the heavy hydrocarbons. Theapplicator can be, for example, the same or similar to the linearapplicator of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the applicator can be, for example,the same or similar to the circular applicator of FIG. 3.

At the step 53, a radio frequency electrical current is applied to theapplicator, which is sufficient to create electric and magnetic fieldsrelative to the applicator that can crack the aromatic molecules intopolar molecules, and the oil is hydrogenated to create synthetic crudeoil.

It is contemplated that an advantage of certain embodiments herein isthat the heavy oil can be simultaneously cracked and hydrogenated. Theprocess of hydrogenation includes adding hydrogen or natural gas to theoil, and generally needs activation energy such as heat to complete. Inaddition to cracking the aromatic molecules into polar molecules, themagnetic fields can heat the oil through resistive and conductiveheating.

For example, magnetic near fields (H) surrounding the applicator causeeddy electric currents to form in the hydrocarbons by inductivecoupling. The eddy electric currents then heat the ore by resistanceheating or joule effect, such that the heating is a compound process.The applicator is akin to a transformer primary winding and the ore thesecondary winding, although windings do not exist in the conventionalsense. The magnetic near field mode of heating is reliable as it doesnot require liquid water contact with the applicator. The electriccurrents flowing along the applicator surfaces create the magneticfields, and the magnetic fields curl in circles around the antenna axis.The strength of the heating in the ore due to the magnetic fields andeddy currents is proportional to:

P=π ² B ² d ² f ²/12ρD

-   -   Where:    -   P=power delivered to the ore in watts    -   B=magnetic flux density generated by the well antenna in Teslas    -   D=the diameter of the well pipe antenna in meters    -   P=the resistivity of the hydrocarbon ore in ohmmeters=1/σ    -   f=the frequency in Hertz    -   D=the magnetic permeability of the hydrocarbon ore

The strength of the magnetic flux density B generated by a linearapplicator 14 derives from Ampere's law and is given by:

B _(φ) =μILe ^(−jkr) sin θ/4πr ²

-   -   Where:    -   B=magnetic flux density generated by the well antenna in Teslas    -   μ=magnetic permeability of the ore    -   I=the current along the well antenna in amperes    -   L=length of antenna in meters    -   e^(−jkr)=Euler's formula for complex analysis=cos (kr)+j sin        (kr)    -   θ=the angle measured from the well antenna axis (normal to well        is 90 degrees)    -   r=the radial distance outwards from the well antenna in meters        In free space, the electromagnetic near fields produced by a        circular applicator 30, e.g. a loop or curl antenna are exactly:

H _(r) =a ²(I _(o) Le ^(−jkr)/2r ³)cos θ

H _(θ) =a ²(I ₀ Le ^(−jkr)/4r ³)sin θ

E _(φ) =−ja ²(kI _(o) e ^(−jkr)/4r ²)sin θ

H _(φ) =E _(r) =E _(φ)=0

Where:

-   -   H_(r)=the radial magnetic near field    -   H_(θ)=the circular magnetic near field    -   E_(φ)=the circula electric near field    -   −j=the complex operator=√−1    -   A=area inside of the applicator 30    -   I_(o)=the electric current flowing in the circular applicator        30, uniform distribution assumed    -   L=the length of the circular applicator 30    -   e^(−jkr)=the time harmonic excitation (AC sinusoidal current is        assumed)    -   k=the wave number=2π/λ    -   r=the radial distance measured from the center of the circular        applicator 30    -   θ=the angle measured from the plane of the circular applicator        30 (normal to the linear applicator 14 is 90°)        The circular applicator 30 produces slightly more magnetic field        strength than the linear applicator 14 while the linear        applicator 14 produces slightly more electric field strength.        However, the effectiveness of the linear applicator 14 and        circular applicator 30 are similar. The linear applicator 14 can        be preferred for underground applications and can be comprised        of, for example, a well pipe. The circular applicator can be        preferred for certain surface applications. Any partially        electrically conductive ore can be heated by application of        electric and magnetic fields described herein as long as the        resistance of the applicator's electrical conductors (metal        pipe, wires) is much less than the ore resistance.

At the step 54, the synthetic crude oils are processed into fuels. Oneor more known processing steps can follow. The synthetic crude oil canthen be further processed, for example, by fractionating or catalyticcracking resulting in sour synfuels. Finally, the sour synfuels can beprocessed through sweeting, which includes sulfur and metal removal. Thefinal result is sweet fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, or JP4.

FIG. 6 depicts a method for extracting heavy oil 60. At the step 61, anapplicator is positioned into the ore region of a hydrocarbon formationcontaining heavy hydrocarbons including aromatic molecules. Theapplicator can be, for example, the same or similar to the linearapplicator of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the applicator can be, for example,the same or similar to the circular applicator of FIG. 3. An advantageof using a linear applicator is that an existing or installed conductivepipe can function as the linear applicator. For example, the linearapplicator can be a typical steel well pipe that may or may not becoated in a highly conductive metal, such as copper.

At the step 62, a radio frequency electrical current is applied to theapplicator, which is sufficient to create a magnetic field that cancrack the aromatic molecules into polar molecules. For example, a 0.001to 100 MHz signal can be sufficient to create a circular magnetic fieldrelative to the applicator to crack aromatic molecules in the ore. Atthe step 63, the magnetic field formed in the step 62 cracks thearomatic molecules into polar molecules.

At the step 64, the cracked hydrocarbon molecules are extracted. Forexample, the lighter polar molecules can flow into an extraction pipe,or pumps or other mechanisms in the formation can pump the oil to thesurface.

FIG. 7 shows the frequency response of a medium weight hydrocarbon oil.It provides a plot of the loss factor of distilled liquid water,partially dewatered bitumen, and a 50% alkene 50% napthalene mixture ofpetroleum oil. Loss factor indicates how much a material will heat whenan electromagnetic field is applied to it. Thus, a molecule with a highloss factor will heat more than a material with a low loss factor. Thereis a minimum at point 202 in the frequency response of the partiallydewatered bitumen and there is also a minimum 204 in the frequencyresponse of the distilled liquid water. The two minima 202, 204 coincidein frequency and are near 30 MHz. The minima 202, 204 comprise anantiresonance of the water fraction. Operating the transmitter 22 at afrequency near the minima 202, 204 antiresonance of water to reduce thekinetic energy of the water molecules in the hydrocarbon stock relativeto the kinetic energy of the hydrocarbon molecules can be advantageous.

It can also be advantageous to adjust the radio frequency away from thewater antiresonance frequency (say below 15 MHz or above 60 MHz) toincrease the kinetic energy of water molecules relative to the kineticenergy of hydrocarbon molecules. Thus, it is possible to instantaneouslyadjust the temperature of water molecules in the mixture relative to thetemperature of hydrocarbon molecules by adjusting the radio frequency.Adjusting the temperature of molecules initiates and controls chemicalreactions. Varying the radio frequency allows precise control of a lowbulk temperature steam cracking process.

The radio frequency electromagnetic fields provided by the linearapplicator 14 and the curl applicator 30 can also control the formationand activity of water spawned radicals. The hydroxyl radical OH— can beformed from water and it reacts quickly with heavy hydrocarbons.Radicals can be formed in the presence of radio frequencyelectromagnetic fields, especially magnetic fields, which are known toinfluence the nuclear spins of the paramagnetic water molecules.Radicals (often referred to as free radicals) are atoms, molecules, orions with unpaired electrons on an open shell configuration. Theunpaired electrons cause radicals to be highly chemically reactive.Water can be slightly repelled by magnetic fields (diamagnetism) whileradicals are slightly attracted by magnetic fields (paramagnetism). RFelectric currents in water are not generally expended through waterelectrolysis, which commonly occurs when DC electric currents passthrough water. This means that the water is not split significantly intohydrogen and oxygen gasses by RF electric currents, so the energy of RFelectric currents is available to increase the kinetic energy of thewater molecules and to form radicals.

FIG. 8 shows the real and imaginary relative permittivity ∈_(r)′ and∈_(r)″ for liquid bitumen. It depicts the real and imaginary relativedielectric constants for a dilbit produced in Athabasca Province,Canada. The liquid bitumen included naptha to reduce viscosity, and itincluded about 2% water by weight. The effects of the 2% water fractionare quite evident in FIG. 8. The 2% water fraction caused a localminimum in the imaginary permittivity (∈_(r)″) near 30 MHz. This minimumoccurred because the frequency response of the hydrocarbon molecules wasrelatively flat compared to the more variable response of the water.Water reacts strongly to the RF electromagnetic fields at frequenciesaway from about 30 MHz and less so near 30 MHz. Heavy hydrocarbonmolecules can have resonant responses at frequencies near 30 MHz, butthe dilbit hydrocarbon response is flat because dilbit containshydrocarbons of many molecular weights. Thus, the radio frequency may bevaried relative 30 MHz to control the reactivity of water in thechemical reaction.

Radio frequency electric and magnetic fields were tested on the FIG. 8dilbit at or near the water antiresonance frequency (27.12 MHz was used)and cracking occurred. The water antiresonance may be useful over abroad range in the present invention, for example, from 0.001 to 100MHz. Adjusting the radio frequency of the transmitter 22 to vary thereactivity of water relative to the hydrocarbons by tuning frequencytoward or away from water antiresonance frequency can be advantageous.Adjusting the frequency of the transmitter 2 near the waterantiresonance frequency reduces the kinetic energy and temperature ofthe water molecules relative to the hydrocarbons. Adjusting thefrequency of the transmitter 22 away from the water antiresonanceincreases the kinetic energy of the water molecules relative to thehydrocarbons. Temperature and activity of the water molecule fraction isadjusted precisely and instantaneously by adjusting the radio frequencyof the transmitter 22. The permittivity (∈) of a material is a measureof how radio frequency electric fields affect a medium. Thus, in FIG. 8the imaginary component of the relative permittivity (∈″) is a goodmeasure of how much a material fraction will radio frequency heat, andit relates to the selective heating and kinetic energy that differentmolecular species will receive in RF electromagnetic fields.

The preferred radio frequencies, between about 0.001 to 100 MHz, havethe advantage of being practical at industrial process scale and powerlevel. The prompt (nearly instantaneous) half power penetration depth ofelectromagnetic near fields, both electric and magnetic (E and H) inrich Athabasca oil sand ore at 1 MHz is about 10 meters, and theultimate penetration depth over time can be extended nearly indefinitelyif heating is allowed to progress. Higher and lower radio frequenciescan be used to increase or reduce the penetration depth of the electricand magnetic fields to any depth desired. The equation for radiofrequency skin depth approximates the electric and magnetic fieldpenetration:

δ=√(ρ/ωμ)

where

-   -   δ=the skin depth,    -   ρ=the resistivity of the hydrocarbon formation or feedstock    -   ω=the angular frequency=2πf,    -   and μ=the absolute magnetic permeability which is typically        4π×10⁻⁷ in hydrocarbon ores. In addition to RF skin depth        Lamberts Law also applies, e.g. the electromagnetic fields        weaken with distance due to geometric spreading.

The addition of sodium chloride (salt, NaCl) to the hydrocarbonfeedstock or underground ore modifies solution ion content, electricalconductivity, and imaginary permittivity. The addition of a causticalkali, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) tothe process feedstock or underground ore can also be useful: causticalkali has the synergy and operative advantage of increasing theimaginary dielectric constant of the water in the feedstock relative tothe dielectric constant of the hydrocarbons. The caustic alkali may alsoprovide a surfactant.

The role of the hydroxyl radical OH— can be important as an initiatormolecule. Therefore, exposing hydrocarbon material containing water toradio frequency electric and magnetic fields at frequenciescorresponding to the 18 cm transition wavelengths of the hydroxylradical, for example, at 1612, 1665, 1667 and 1720 MHz can enhance thepresence and activity of the hydroxyl radical.

Although preferred embodiments have been described using specific terms,devices, and methods, such description is for illustrative purposesonly. The words used are words of description rather than of limitation.It is to be understood that changes and variations can be made by thoseof ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or thescope of the present invention, which is set forth in the followingclaims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the variousembodiments can be interchanged either in whole or in part. Therefore,the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to thedescription of the preferred versions contained herein.

1-29. (canceled)
 30. An apparatus for processing hydrocarbons includingaromatic molecules comprising: a hydrogen containing gas source; achamber coupled to said hydrogen containing gas source and configured toexpose the hydrocarbons including aromatic molecules to the hydrogencontaining gas; a radio frequency (RF) source; and an RF applicatorcoupled to said RF source to create a field in said chamber to crack atleast some of the aromatic molecules into polar molecules while exposedto the hydrogen containing gas.
 31. The apparatus according to claim 30wherein said RF applicator comprises a linear RF applicator.
 32. Theapparatus according to claim 30 wherein said RF applicator comprises acircular RF applicator.
 33. The apparatus according to claim 30 whereinsaid hydrogen containing gas source comprises a hydrogen gas source. 34.The apparatus according to claim 30 wherein said hydrogen containing gassource comprises a natural gas source.
 35. The apparatus according toclaim 30 further comprising a downstream processing stage coupled tosaid chamber and configured to perform fractionating.
 36. The apparatusaccording to claim 30 further comprising a downstream processing stagecoupled to said chamber and configured to perform catalytic cracking.37. The apparatus according to claim 30 wherein said chamber has ahydrocarbons inlet and a hydrocarbons outlet.
 38. The apparatusaccording to claim 30 wherein said RF source comprises a transmitter andan impedance coupler connected thereto.
 39. The apparatus accordingclaim 30 wherein said RF source is configured to operate at a frequencycorresponding to a resonance of the aromatic molecules.
 40. Theapparatus according claim 30 wherein said RF source is configured tooperate at a frequency corresponding to a dielectric antiresonance ofwater molecules.
 41. The apparatus according claim 30 wherein said RFsource is configured to operate at a frequency corresponding to a 18 cmwavelength of the hydroxyl transition.
 42. The apparatus according claim30 wherein said chamber comprises a separation chamber configured toseparate another material from the hydrocarbons.
 43. The apparatusaccording claim 30 wherein said chamber comprises a separation chamberconfigured to separate at least one of water and sand from thehydrocarbons.
 44. An apparatus for processing hydrocarbons includingaromatic molecules comprising: a hydrogen containing gas source; achamber coupled to said hydrogen containing gas source and configured toexpose the hydrocarbons including aromatic molecules to the hydrogencontaining gas; a radio frequency (RF) source; and a linear RFapplicator coupled to said RF source and positioned within said chamberto create a field in said chamber to crack at least some of the aromaticmolecules into polar molecules while exposed to the hydrogen containinggas.
 45. The apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said hydrogencontaining gas source comprises a hydrogen gas source.
 46. The apparatusaccording to claim 44 wherein said hydrogen containing gas sourcecomprises a natural gas source.
 47. The apparatus according to claim 44further comprising a downstream processing stage coupled to said chamberand configured to perform at least one of fractionating and catalyticcracking.
 48. The apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said RF sourcecomprises a transmitter and an impedance coupler connected thereto. 49.The apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said RF source is configuredto operate at a frequency corresponding to a resonance of the aromaticmolecules.
 50. The apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said chambercomprises a separation chamber configured to separate another materialfrom the hydrocarbons.
 51. An apparatus for processing hydrocarbonsincluding aromatic molecules comprising: a hydrogen containing gassource; a chamber coupled to said hydrogen containing gas source andconfigured to expose the hydrocarbons including aromatic molecules tothe hydrogen containing gas; a radio frequency (RF) source; and acircular RF applicator coupled to said RF source and positioned withinsaid chamber to create a field in said chamber to crack at least some ofthe aromatic molecules into polar molecules while exposed to thehydrogen containing gas.
 52. The apparatus according to claim 51 whereinsaid hydrogen containing gas source comprises a hydrogen gas source. 53.The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said hydrogen containing gassource comprises a natural gas source.
 54. The apparatus according toclaim 51 further comprising a downstream processing stage coupled tosaid chamber and configured to perform at least one of fractionating andcatalytic cracking.
 55. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein saidRF source comprises a transmitter and an impedance coupler connectedthereto.
 56. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said RF sourceis configured to operate at a frequency corresponding to a resonance ofthe aromatic molecules.
 57. The apparatus according to claim 51 whereinsaid chamber comprises a separation chamber configured to separateanother material from the hydrocarbons.